President William Ruto’s re-election bid is taking new political turns almost daily, as allies continue to attach fresh demands to their support.
At the centre of the growing political contest is the Deputy President’s seat, currently held by Kithure Kindiki, which has emerged as one of the most sought-after positions among key figures backing Ruto’s 2027 campaign.
Leaders from Western Kenya have now intensified calls for the region to secure the Deputy President position ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The push gained momentum during a high-level consultative meeting in Naivasha attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, governors, and more than 28 Members of Parliament affiliated with the Western Kenya Parliamentary Caucus.
The leaders argued that Western Kenya deserves greater representation in the country’s top leadership because of its large voting bloc and growing support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, including a claim to the Deputy President’s office.
Among the governors present were Fernandes Barasa of Kakamega, Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma, and Wilberforce Otichillo of Vihiga.
Lawmakers at the meeting said Western Kenya has consistently backed successive governments but has repeatedly been overlooked when top national leadership positions are shared.
According to the legislators, the time has come for the region to produce the country’s Deputy President.
“We are demanding the running mate position to His Excellency President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election because we have the requisite numbers and capability for the position,” Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera said while reading a joint statement on behalf of the caucus.
“We are not asking for favours. We are demanding recognition based on our numbers, contribution to national development and political support,” he added.
The leaders also used the meeting to call for unity across the politically divided Western region, urging leaders to put aside their differences and strengthen the region’s bargaining power ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The diversity of our differences is our strength. We plead with our leaders to set aside political differences for the greater good of our people,” a statement released by the leaders read.
The renewed push from Western Kenya is expected to complicate political calculations within the Kenya Kwanza coalition as regions position themselves strategically ahead of the next General Election.
Kindiki, whose position is also being eyed by the Orange Democratic Movement party under the broad-based government arrangement, has remained largely nonchalant. He has continued to express loyalty to Ruto while positioning himself for a possible presidential run in 2032.
Instead of engaging directly in political contests, Kindiki has focused his public messaging on development, repeatedly saying politics will be addressed at the appropriate time.
During a recent tour of the Mt Kenya region, he said the Kenya Kwanza administration would not allow itself to be distracted by retrogressive politics that could derail development efforts.
He reiterated that the government remains focused on implementing projects and programmes aimed at improving living standards across the country.
“Politics will come later, and we will be ready for it. But right now, we are not mixing politics and development because we are focused. If we do, our people will suffer, and we will not fulfil our promises,” DP stated.
Leaders from the Mt Kenya region who support Ruto reportedly view the Deputy President’s seat as crucial to preserving the region’s political influence. Meanwhile, leaders from the Coast and other allied political blocs are also expected to push for greater representation in future government arrangements.
Political analysts believe Western Kenya’s growing demands could significantly reshape coalition negotiations as President Ruto tries to balance competing regional interests while maintaining unity within his alliance.
The developments come amid heightened political realignments across the country, with leaders increasingly engaging in regional consultations and alliance-building efforts as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace.
The Western Kenya leaders concluded the strategic meeting by pledging continued unity and a stronger push for the region’s influence in national decision-making.
They also urged the government to speed up the implementation of ongoing development projects in the region, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, education, water, and agriculture, while calling for greater accountability from state agencies overseeing the projects.
